MULTIPLE Windsor charities have come together to offer free school meals to children in food poverty in the wake of England football star Marcus Rashford’s campaign.

A motion brought forward by Labour to extend free school meals over the school holidays until Easter 2021 was defeated by the Conservatives by 322 votes to 261 – a majority of 61 – last week.

The Manchester United player vowed to continue campaigning on behalf of vulnerable children and since then, councils, businesses, communities and charities have come together to offer support.

Windsor is no exception – and three local charities have partnered up to fight the holiday hunger by providing food for families entitled to free school meals due to low income.

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The West Windsor Hub (WWH) – which helps those most at risk in isolation during the pandemic – Test Kitchen, and Driven Forward have offered free packed lunches for each child, available Monday to Thursday and a takeaway Friday night treat for a family of four – which needs to be pre-ordered by 12pm on October 29 (Thursday).

The packed lunches can be picked up at Driven Forward’s community fridge in Alexandra Gardens -Monday to Friday 11am-1pm – and at the WWH located at All Saints Church, Dedworth Road.

A self-cook pack comprising a complete ingredients bag with recipe cards for a meal for a family of four will also be offered – available Monday to Thursday

Councillor Carole Da Costa, who represents Clewer and Dedworth East, said: “The West Windsor Hub has been running for seven months now. We have seen an increase in food poverty with incomes decreasing and now that furlough payments are coming to an end more families are struggling to make ends meet.

“For some children, their free school meal is the only meal of the day. Our children are having their childhood stolen; No child should go to bed hungry or worry about where the next meal is coming from.”

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If you need help and live in Central Windsor, contact the Driven Forward at the community fridge on 07551 081155 and If you live in West Windsor, contact the WWH on 01753 342110.

The WWH has asked for the following donations:

  • Monday – cheddar, dried spaghetti, garlic butter baguettes, fresh cream small pots.
  • Wednesday – colourful peppers, red onions, soft tortillas, cheddar, plain yoghurt, tinned tuna, tinned tomatoes, dried pasta, mayonnaise

To volunteer or donate food, call Cllr Da Costa on 079313 07601 or email on ceveleigh@hotmail.co.uk